Properly caring for linens extends their lifespan so you can continue to enjoy them for years to come – but, if you’re not a professional, it can be hard to know which types of products and methods are best. When it comes to cleaning these high-quality, luxury linens, the details matter. Using the right laundry detergent helps preserve our investment in these items as well as ensures they continue to perform, feel, and look their best.
Liz Barbatelli, world-leading expert in fine linens and owner of The Laundry at Linens Limited, an old-world artisan laundering service for fine table and bed linens, has provided a definitive guide to the best luxury laundry detergents to bring use in your home.
Luxury laundry detergents are time-tested through years of expert care and attention to the art of laundering. These products are not only made to effectively clean your linens but also to enhance the experience of using these items within your home, whether it’s the feel of a plush, warm bath towel when it comes out of the dryer or the inviting scent of a freshly cleaned pillowcase.
Standard laundry detergents use ingredients that may be harmful to you, your linens, and your home as they’re made with toxic chemicals and additives. You can feel more secure in a brand that uses only the finest ingredients to bring you a safe and quality wash.
You are likely to pay more for a product that you trust and know will give you your money’s worth. Luxury laundry detergents can wash just as many loads as traditional soaps and are usually compatible with most washing machines.
Traditional detergents often stain and wear down fabrics over time. Luxury laundry detergents are made with the best ingredients in order to protect the quality of your linens, keeping them functioning and beautiful for years to come.
Many standard laundry products have ingredients that may negatively impact us, our homes, and the environment. When choosing a high-quality, luxury detergent for your laundry, it’s important to consider the following things:
There are many traditional detergents on the market that use ingredients that are not only harmful to our linens but can also trigger skin sensitivities. Harsh chemicals, like synthetic fragrances, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and bleach, are just a few of the ingredients to avoid when choosing a better-quality detergent.
Luxury laundry detergents use higher-grade ingredients to ensure a clean and safe wash every time for both you and the linens in your home. Knowing you have a product that is made with your care in mind can enhance your way of living and protect your investment in fine linens.
Prices of laundry detergents can vary depending on the brand or load count, so a higher-priced detergent does not always determine the quality. Liquid detergents and single-dose tablets are often more expensive than power detergents but do not wash as many loads.
When comparing prices of luxury laundry detergents, look for one that will give you the highest-quality experience for your dollar. A luxury detergent may be higher in cost, but you’ll feel confident knowing it is both safe to use and extremely effective at cleaning.
Eco-friendly products are more sustainable and have a more positive impact on the environment. When shopping for a high-quality, luxury laundry detergent, look for both biodegradable and non-phosphorus products. To ensure a product is safe for the environment and your health, check to see that the product contains an ecolabel. If the detergent has an ecolabel on the packaging, then it meets the specific criteria as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency.
While you want a laundry detergent that is safe for your home and the environment, you still want one that will effectively clean your linens and garments. Most liquid detergents can leave residue on your linens or stain your clothing. There are also some “plant-based” detergents that can’t rid your linens of dirt and smell as effectively as others.
High-quality, luxury detergents that are made with time-tested formulas are more likely to wash your items thoroughly and effectively. You also want to look for a detergent that is applicable to all machine types, as well as temperatures.
Time tested for over 50 years, The Laundry’s Finest Detergent comes with assurance and quality that you’d expect from the foremost fine linen laundry in the country.
Ideal for everyday use, for everything from fine knits to towels to denim, The Laundry’s Finest powder detergent is formulated to keep all your garments and linens looking their best and lasting longer.
This exclusive, American-made detergent is fully biodegradable and made without chemical additives or brightening agents, making it gentle on clothes, the environment, and you. The Laundry’s Finest can be used in any style washer with each 40 oz bag cleaning up to 80 loads of laundry, and has a light lemon scent that leaves your laundry smelling fresh and clean. Keep your detergent moisture-free and neatly stored in the decorative, refillable canister. This canister is made of recycled materials and can hold up to one 40 oz refill bag of The Laundry’s Finest detergent.
Method is a trusted brand for bringing high-quality products to your home. Method 8X Laundry Detergent’s biodegradable formula with smartclean technology seeks out dirt and stains without the use of parabens, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, or dyes.
This certified cruelty-free detergent comes in a lightweight, 20-ounce bottle with a pump for mess-free measuring and can clean up to 85 loads. This laundry soap comes in several scents including Free + Clear, which is made with no dyes and fragrances.
Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent is designed to provide a healthy, sustainable, and equitable product for your home linens. This laundry soap is EPA Safer Choice Certified, made with a formula that excludes the use of dyes, synthetic fragrances, or optical brighteners, making your linens safe to wear, dry with, and sleep in.
Each 40 oz, concentrated bottle of detergent contains 53 loads of high-quality washes for any GE or standard machine.
The Laundress Signature Detergent is a luxury, high-quality product designed for “everyday laundry”. This dermatologist-tested formula is made with a combination and concentration of highly effective, plant-based cleaning enzymes that are not found in grocery store-brand products. These ingredients help to remove protein stains, starches, oils, soil, and other particles like lint and fuzz.
The Laundress Signature Detergent is effective in all temperatures, while still upholding the quality of your garments and leaving each wash with the ultimate “clean laundry smell”. This soap comes in a 33.3 oz bottle and contains up to 64 loads.
Luxury laundry detergents not only provide a better quality clean, but they also ensure that your experiences with the linens in your home are both enjoyable and safe. Learning what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for a high-quality, luxury laundry detergent can help you choose the best product for your needs.
As a world-leading expert in fine linens and styling, Liz Barbatelli offers more insights on how to care for your luxury fine linens on her blog – from the latest custom solutions for bed, bath, and table to traditional approaches to linen laundering, styling, and curation.
Make an appointment to visit Liz at her flagship store,
E. Braun & Co. or request a virtual consultation.
Follow Liz for her latest designs & curations in bed, bath & linen.
